Black-led groups urge funding for needy areas

Call on City Council to delay vote on aid

Local Black-led political action groups are calling on City Council to delay Tuesday’s vote on hundreds of millions in federal COVID-19 aid and reprioritize the funds to help the neediest Pittsburgh neighborhoods.

Gathered in front of dilapidated row houses with waisthigh weeds on Homewood’s Hamilton Avenue, a coalition of community-based and religious leaders on Friday urged council members to rethink how to spend portions of the $335 million under the American Rescue Plan.

“Look at this disgrace. We as Pittsburghers should hang our heads in shame that a place like this exists in a prosperous city like Pittsburgh,” said community activist Randall Taylor, pointing to the blighted block in one of the city’s predominantly Black neighborhoods. “... We call on them to stop what they’re doing, pause a vote and come out and prioritize, particularly the lives of our children in Pittsburgh, by rebuilding this community.”

Leaders of groups, including the Black Political Empowerment Project, the Western PA Black Political Assembly, and the Penn Plaza Support and Action Coalition, said they plan to issue a formal letter to City Council and are urging

residents to demonstrate Monday at 5 p.m. on the historic Freedom Corner in the Hill District.

“When funding comes to Pittsburgh, when it hits the ground, it should hit the ground running with residents in mind,” said Cheryl Blair-Fuller, executive director of the Homewood Concerned Citizens Council. “... It should hit the ground in neighborhoods where it’s most needed.”

Community members have been making noise for days ahead of the vote, including speaking at two public hearings, rallying on the City-County Building steps and sending surveys via text message campaigns.

Democratic mayoral nominee and state Rep. Ed Gainey, D-Lincoln-Lemington, also issued a statement asking council to delay a vote on “long-term budget proposals.”

City Council gave preliminary approval Wednesday to a four-year spending plan that projects $231.9 million will be needed to make up for lost revenue caused by COVID-19 shutdowns, including $57 million to shore up jobs and fill holes in the 2021 budget.

Two members — Deb Gross and Erika Strassburger — opposed, citing concerns from constituents.

Of the $13.6 million earmarked for capital projects next year, roughly $7.5 million will fund vehicle fleet upgrades; $1.6 million will go toward rec centers in Troy Hill, Upper Hill District and Larimer; and $1.5 million will be spent on improvements to a Hill District corridor.

The plan projects that roughly $103 million will be spent over four years on infrastructure, new LED street lights, home ownership programs and lead water line replacements.

Council members and administration officials said Wednesday that any capital transfers to the Urban Redevelopment and Pittsburgh Water and Sewer authorities would require further debate and additional votes, and that the next administration could adjust the spending plan as it sees fit.

Mayor Bill Peduto lost the Democratic primary to state Rep. Gainey in May. Mr. Gainey will face Republicanchallenger and retired police officer Tony Moreno in November.

The city has already received $167.5 million of its American Rescue Plan allotment and expects to receive the other half next year. The funds must be spent by the end of 2024. Municipalities are permitted to use the money for a range of purposes, including addressing food and housing insecurities; small business assistance; and water, sewer and broadband internet infrastructure.